Italy's PM to Visit to Egypt Tomorrow

A high-level European delegation is set to visit Cairo tomorrow, aimed at bolstering the partnership between Egypt and the European Union. The visit will include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

In a significant development, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently announced her visit to Egypt scheduled for this Sunday. The visit's highlight is the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the Egyptian government and the European Union, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in attendance. This agreement mirrors a similar pact made with Tunisia last year, focusing primarily on managing migration.

Egypt's strategic position as a crucial partner in controlling illegal migration from North Africa to the European Union has been recognized. The EU, being a significant trading ally for Egypt, has shown keen interest in new EU policies impacting trade, particularly the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which is central to these policy shifts.

Currently, Belgium is presiding over the Council of the European Union, holding the six-month rotating presidency.

The upcoming European delegation's trip to Cairo highlights the strategic significance of Egypt within the Mediterranean basin, touching on crucial issues like migration, trade, security, and environmental policies. Europe's challenge in addressing illegal migration has underscored Egypt's pivotal role as both a key transit and source country for migrants heading towards the EU.

The partnership between Egypt and the EU is multifaceted, extending beyond migration to encompass significant economic, security, and environmental dimensions. Particularly, the introduction of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism marks a critical step in adapting trade relations to prioritize sustainability and environmental considerations.

The anticipated cooperation agreement between Egypt and the EU indicates a strengthening of ties and a shared commitment to tackling common challenges. With the EU’s efforts to regulate migration flows and advocate for sustainable development, Egypt’s geopolitical importance and leadership in the region render it an indispensable ally in achieving these objectives.